In the case of Keyshawn Johnson versus the New York Jets, this looks as if it’s going to become a long, acrimonious ordeal — particularly since the Jets yesterday announced

he’s off the trading block and that they’re not going to renegotiate his current contract.

In the wake of word that Johnson has no plans to attend the Jets’ voluntary (but really mandatory) off-season strength and conditioning program, which began Monday, Jets’ head coach Al Groh opted to release a statement about the situation.

So, by early yesterday, the Groh statement was released and it was a rather definitive, revealing piece of work.

Not to be outdone, later in the day, Johnson’s agent, Jerome Stanley, who would not take phone calls, issued a faxed statement to reporters as an answer to Groh’s statement. Call it a war of the fax machines.

The most significant part of Groh’s statement was this: “While there has been considerable speculation about the possibility of trading Keyshawn, the Jets will not entertain any trade offers at this time.”

That means one or more of several things.

In the periodic trade talks the Jets have had with the likes of the Ravens, Redskins, Buccaneers and Browns, they’ve heard nothing from those teams in the way of enough value in return for Johnson’s services.

The Jets have not excused Johnson from his required participation in the off-season strength and conditioning program and are expecting his services since he remains under contract.

The Jets have no intention whatsoever of renegotiating Johnson’s contract, which has two years remaining on it.

The only way the Jets would consider trading Johnson would be if a team blew them away with a great deal — most likely one which would bring them one of the top three picks in the draft without having to mortgage the franchise.

“Keyshawn Johnson’s non-participation in the off-season program in no way affects our decision-making process involving fielding the most competitive team for the New York Jets for the immediate and long-term future,” Groh said. “The Jets have reworked numerous contracts this winter to get under the salary cap and yet continue to be under extreme economic duress with regard to the salary cap and its effect on the overall roster.

“After due considerations and in light of the fact that Keyshawn has two years remaining on his contract, our organization remains unable to address the contract of Keyshawn’s in the near or foreseeable short-term future. However, as we have consistently done in the past, at the appropriate time we will address Keyshawn’s contract situation.

“As in recent years, we remain committed to fielding the most competitive team possible on a year-to-year basis. We will continue to evaluate and consider all viable opportunities to improve our team. This statement should explicitly cover our position regarding this manner. Thus we will have no further comments.”

Groh’s words, however, elicited response from Stanley.

“Regarding Coach Groh’s statement released to all members of the media, Keyshawn Johnson has consistently avoided using the media as a tool to communicate on any contractual matter,” Stanley said in his canned statement. “Despite the coach’s comments regarding Keyshawn’s contract, the kind of contract comment no Jet Coach has ever made, Keyshawn will maintain his policy. He feels that the fans don’t want to, or need to, hear about his contract.

“As for the Jets’ economic duress caused by the salary cap, that ‘duress’ will still be there in 2001 and beyond. Keyshawn would like to continue to help lead the Jets to his goal of winning a Super Bowl for the much-deserving Jet fans.”

It was clear by Stanley’s statement that he’s already trying to rustle up fan support for Johnson despite that fact that Johnson seems prepared to break his contractual commitments and become a fan enemy.